Homeschool Year in Review-2021/22-Ben's Senior Year

Wow! The end of an era. I started this blog when I was the awed mother of an infant boy named Ben. I could not imagine or foresee two little girls (and now young women) that would come along. Ben was my introduction to motherhood and it was the most life-changing thing I have ever experienced. 

Ben's health and unique intelligence plus my experience with his public preschool are what spurred me to homeschool him. I just finished reading his senior thesis, "Christian and Biblical Influences on Storytelling" and was again overwhelmed by the amazing person I was able to guide both as parent and primary instructor. It was an honor.

But it is time. Time to send him on to higher education, other influences, and people who can teach  him things that are beyond my scope. And also time to devote even more time and energy to the education of his equally amazing sisters. 

Senior year was by far the most fun I have had homeschooling. Here's what Ben's senior year looked like in addition to Debate and his part-time job as a facilitator for fun at Kokomo's Family Fun Center. 

Ben took these classes: 

Business Math -  Ben is decidedly not going to be pursing a STEM career and Business Math was a  good final math course that he could take with Kyrie. We used Abeka's Business Math. Both kids thought it was really useful and enjoyed the course. I thought it was too easy, and outdated (still teaching 1040A and 1040EZ with no mention of online filing), and taught things in a really weird order. The very last section covers personal banking, after covering accounting procedures, real estate, etc.... We all agreed the subject was really worthwhile, but I wouldn't use this curriculum again. Ben had added assignments--doing his taxes, for instance, that prepared him for the real world. Course-A; Curriculum-C. 

Physics - We used Novare Physics and followed the course syllabus which provides a schedule, quizzes and tests, and experiments. This course focuses on mastery and there is a continual review process, particularly in the quizzes which are comprehensive and focus on written answers. The lab consists of 6 labs and lab reports and are expensive and some were just too elaborate to carry out for a homeschool course. We did most of the labs, an extensive lab report, and added in some similar but simpler labs. I really liked this curriculum a lot, but the lab portions would work better in a co-op or school situation. 

World Literature -This was online discussion course through Center for Lit. The book choices are great and the online instruction is good, but for the price we paid, there is no feedback to the student on the 15 short essay assignments. Ben found this disappointing. He worked hard on his essays and shared some of his ideas with me. This summer he was able to lead a book group discussion on his favorite book, The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Center for Lit offers the content of the online interactive discussions at a much cheaper cost and that might be a better option for someone who wants guided discussion. Ben read: The Aeneid, The Odyssey, Beowolf, Job, selections from The Canterbury Tales, The Death of Ivan Ilyich, A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, and The Great Divorce. Wrote 15 short essays, usually two on each book. I also had him read Les Miserables outside of the course. 

AP Comparative Government  - This was an online class through PA Homeschoolers AP Online Classes taught by Julia Reed. This course delivered exactly what I hoped for, offering a Ben a real challenge in an area he was interested in. Mrs. Reed, retired lieutenant colonel (Air Force) offered excellent instruction, communicated with students individually, and employed three T.A.'s (one a Hillsdale student, another a student at Oxford) who offered online study sessions and feedback. The technology used (Canvas), the methodology, and the quality of instruction were by far the best of our online classes.

Rhetoric - We used Rhetoric Alive: Principles of Persuasion which utilized great speeches throughout history to learn the five canons of rhetoric to form speeches (deliberative, ceremonial and judicial) using pathos, ethos, and logos. Ben wrote speeches and presented to them family and grew in his spoken communication. Loved this curriculum. 

Introduction to Film - Ben took this class (self-paced, online) with a friend through Film School 4 Teens. Taught by a filmmaker whose wife homeschools their own kids, this was a great course and we watched some great movies as part of the course. Ben had learned much of the technical content at Taylor University's Film Camp before his senior year, but he definitely enjoyed it. He completed the course by February and proceeded to make two films, The Tower of Hats, which took second place at the Envision Film Festival (high school division) at Taylor, and The Omega Grindset, which he debuted at his high school graduation. 

The Divine Comedy (Honors) -Ben read The Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso by Dante Aligheiri and watched a short video on each through 100 Days of Dante.  Originally he wrote short written responses to questions, but as he was frustrated by lack of responses and ability to discuss in his world literature course, I averted course and we discussed each chapter and video in class together. He kept a journal and wrote a final senior thesis titled: “Christian and Biblical Influences on Storytelling" which examined Dante's influence as well as other notable writers (of books, a television series, and a video game. We both loved walking through this together; it was a true capstone for Ben to examine Dante's growth in faith and his amazing impact on the world of storytelling.

A Caterpillar's Life (by Ben)

Sometimes the science experiments pay off!

Rockin' out--A look back

Ben's Remote Control Vehicles Series Model Antique Car

The lack of space didn't cooperate I took out what the space bar did.

Ben's Remote Control Vehicles Series,Model Bulldozer

You'll find out why I skipped 2 days of the series you will... And in model 3-wheeler why it said V 2 once was lack of space same problem with all of these videos skipped the word Vehicles.

Ben's Remote Control Vehicles Series Model Crane

I had an idea for this after I had built the 3 first models now the next one I haven't built before

Ben's Remote Control Vehicles Series,Model Three-Wheeler

Did you like the model car.Well you'll like this model.

Ben's Remote Control Vehicles Series, Model Car

Here are all the videos for Model Car.

Gettysburg Address

This is not Ben's best speech. He decided on his own to dress up as Lincoln on Halloween but he was sick. I wanted so badly to have him in Lincoln costume I begged him to do this for me when he was feeling poorly.

But on this 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, I wanted to post this. This boy took to heart these words, has lamented the Civil War, the failures of Reconstruction (without Lincoln) and wished he could change any number of little things that ended Lincoln's life too early.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced....that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Ben's Lego Creations: April

Books We Love by Ben

Here are some of my favorite new books:

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion. I really had to laugh at this dog who liked to get dirty and didn't like baths. He gets so dirty, his family doesn't even know who he is.

I love Buster by Denise Fleming. Buster is a funny dog who has a new cat come to live at his house and isn't too happy about it. My favorite line is: "Betty had spunk." I repeat that line often. And once you read this book, you'll want to read Buster Goes to Cowboy Camp. It will make you laugh too.

And currently Kyri and I are trying to read every one ofEric Carle's books. Our favorite right now is: 10 Little Rubber Ducks.

YES! I am, thank you.

from Ben

Mom, I can't believe you just let people continue to think I wasn't potty-trained. Of course, I'm potty trained. (His parents just have to remind him he has to go when he is caught doing "the potty dance." And a few incidents here and there, but still, ultimately, they have conquered their greatest parenting challenge yet.)

New and Old Faces

from Ben

I didn't even recognize myself in the previous pictures. No wonder I felt so bad.

Today I started a new science class. I was very excited because Mom told me we would be using binoculars. When I walked in, I saw my old pal Emma from preschool last year. She recognized me immediately and said I could sit by her. I am the only boy in the class and so the teacher let me pal up with him for some science things. We looked through magnifying glasses and did lots of fun things.

Then in the afternoon I visited my preschool. I saw my old friends and visited with my teachers. They wanted to see my Mexico pictures and hear me count in Spanish. They were very happy to hear that I don't wear diapers anymore. I was able to stay and have recess with my friends and I lined up with them for old times. I suggested to Mom that I might go back tomorrow but she said those days are gone. And that's ok. I get to see Emma (she was my favorite anyway) at mad science preschool next week.

A Walk in the Forest

from Ben (& Kyri)

Last night Mom and Dad took us on a hike in the forest. It was a hot, hot day and they needed some exercise. And the forest is very cool, even on hot days.

The trees were VERY tall (Kyri: WOW!) Dad thought he would put Kyri on his shoulders for the long (mile and a half) hike but she wanted to walk by herself. She pretty much ran the whole time, stopping only when we crossed a bridge and she wanted to float a leaf boat down the river. Or when she fell down. Which happened three times. (Kyri: Ow! Ow!) Mom said she had some good exercise because we moved so fast.

I needed to use the potty real bad toward the end and Mom and Dad told me to go outside. That's gross. I said I would make it all the way home and I did. I'm doing much better on this potty-training thing.

We loved our walk in the forest and we were so hungry when we came home Mom gave us some popcorn after our bath while she read Skippyjon Jones to us.

Trip to the City

from Ben

Daddy has written a book and because of it he has to be on the radio a lot. Yesterday he said we could go with him to Seattle. We went in to the place where he was going to be on the radio but Mom thought a nearby park would be a better place. So we played for awhile and then we went to get Dad.

Only he didn't come. So we sat in the car. Mom gave us all the snacks she had and still we waited. Kyri started yelling and Mom and I tried to calm her down. We talked to Grammy on the phone. We waited. Finally Mom said we would go get food. I wanted Mac'n'cheese and Mom said to think of something we could find at a drive-through. I asked for Burger King. We went on a hunt. Apparently Burger King's are hard to find in Seattle and Dad called and told us to come back for him.

And then I had my Mac'n'Cheese at the Spaghetti Factory. Kyri was happy because she sat in a booster seat instead of a high chair and she felt like a big girl. And Dad was happy that he had an hour on the radio. And Mom was happy that she was in the city. And I was happy too.

What Gets Your Mom Excited?

from Ben

I asked my mom what her dream was the other day. She said her dream is that her boy will use the potty and not wear diapers any more. How weird is that? I have asked her about ten times since and given her the opportunity to dream for something important, but she sticks with it. Now she has Dad saying the same thing. I know she put him up to it. He isn't that crazy.

I thought I could get some treats out of sitting on the potty today. I told her I would sit on the potty seat if she would bring me a toaster pastry. She brought me a tiny little piece of one and said I would get the rest when I went.

Apparently she meant "when I went on the potty." She should have said that specifically. I kept up my end of the deal. And now all I am getting today is a bath.

A Strange Day

from Ben

Yesterday when I woke up Mom didn't come in to see me. In fact, she finally called to me that I could get up. When I came out, she and Kyri were laying on the floor. Strange. Kyri was watching a DVD and Mom looked really tired.

A little while later I asked for breakfast. She told me to get it myself. Strange. I usually get in trouble when I feed myself. The problem is I can't reach the breakfast cereal. She suggested yogurt and told me to get myself a bowl from dishwasher.

Then Dad came home. And I was so excited. We could play. He fed us breakfast, held Kyri (who kept crying), gave me my medicines and helped me get dressed. I was all ready to play and he said he had to work. No fun.

Then Aunt Sandi came. I was so happy to see her and she listened to me and watched my potty training DVD in Spanish with me. She held Kyri and Mom just slept. In my room, which was also strange. And when I made noise, Dad told me to "keep it down." Aunt Sandi had to leave after awhile and Dad made me take a nap.

Today Mom says she is a little better. But I'm still waiting for my breakfast.

Advice For My Friends

from Ben

Don't turn the blender on when there is nothing in it. Especially don't do this while your mother is trying to get a shower. Especially don't let things fall into it when the lid isn't on. Your mom will not be very happy. And you might be tempted to run away when you hear how loud it is.

The Strange Day

from Ben

Yesterday was a strange day. (So was today but that is another story.) First, it was snowing and then, I didn't go to school all day. Then Dad came home and he, Mom, and Kyri took me to school. But there were no kids. Just my teachers.

Miss Sherrie was cleaning up the classroom but Miss Michele sat and talked to Dad and Mom about me. Like I wasn't even there. So I played and tried to pretend I didn't care what they said.

Sadly, my teachers shared some things that I do at school that my mom and dad didn't know I knew how to do. So today Mom had higher expectations for me. Everyone tried to figure out why I don't always seem to understand what people are asking me to do. (I'm not going to help with that one.) My teacher says she has to stop me from answering questions about letters and numbers so the other kids have a chance.

And my favorite was when Miss Michele told Mom that I was right, that Devine (my classmate) is a he, and not a she. Everytime I talked about "him" Mom gave me this big talk about boys were "he" and "him" and girls were "she" and "her." I know. But Devine is a boy. (And Mom thinks that's weird.)

Continuing the Celebration

from Ben

Friday, Mom told me I was going to be able to see the new Veggie Tales movie with Daddy. I kept waiting for him to bring it and put it on the DVD. But he came during my nap and put me in the car. Then we went to this place with a huge TV. It was loud and there were other kids there. And we watched The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. A couple of parts were scary and I jumped on Dad's lap for awhile. The best part was eating popcorn. I thought that was really fun.

Then the next day we went to the train and picked up Grammy and Grandpa. They brought me MORE presents and we had a fun time playing together. Sadly they only stayed one day and they went home before we went to church.

I really like birthdays.